about a Zen Workshop

Why practice Zen?

The practice of Zen has been found useful for people who would like to improve their physical well being and coordination. For example, those practicing the martial arts, musicians, actors and anyone who would benefit from an increased body awareness or natural concentration would find Zen useful. It is also useful for people looking for psychological well-being and for creative people who wish to heighten their creativity. However, Zen is taught at the Montreal Zen Centre primarily for those who are looking for a spiritual way to come to terms with the complexities of life.

What is a workshop?

Beginning at 9 am, the workshop continues until about 2:30 pm. An opening talk gives some background information about Zen meditation and discusses why one practices. After a short tea break, practical demonstrations of posture, meditation methods and the way to develop ki energy (the energy of concentration) are given. This is followed by two periods of guided meditation of twenty minutes with walking meditation between the two periods. Another talk is then given with the opportunity for questions and answers. The workshop ends with a talk on how one can practice at home and here at the Center.

Who is a workshop designed for?

The workshop is designed primarily for those who have no experience at all of any meditation method. However, many who have practiced other forms of Zen, other kinds of meditation or the martial arts have also found it to be very useful.

How much do workshops cost?

The cost for nonmembers is $50.00.

Do I have to commit myself beyond this?

No, the Workshop will give you sufficient information to enable you to practice on your own at home. However, from time to time, we give courses for beginners, if you wish to attend. These are for those who have attended the workshop and are conducted on four Thursday evenings from 7pm-9pm. The fee of $40.00 covers all four evenings.

Who will conduct the workshops?

Zen Teacher Albert Low, author of many books on Zen, will conduct the workshop with the assistance of a senior student.

What is the Zen Center ?

The Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing authentic Zen practice as well as a spiritual oasis where people may come to meditate and refresh themselves at all levels of their being : physical, psychological and spiritual. If you have attended a workshop and beginners' course, you are welcome to come to the centre as a visitor for a few evenings without charge. After this you may apply for membership. The cost of membership is $30.00 per month.

Where is the Montreal Zen Center?

The Center faces onto Park Stanley with the Riviere Prairie on the other side of the street. The driveway of the Zen Center comes out onto St Hubert. So the Center actually has two addresses. The best address to know if you are driving or walking to the Center is 10851 St. Hubert. The closest metro station is the Henri Bourassa Metro station. When you come out of the subway head east on Henri Bourassa until you reach St. Hubert. Turn left onto St. Hubert and go almost all the way down to the driveway with the address 10851 St. Hubert. The Center is down this driveway. If you miss this driveway you will end up on Park Stanley. There are two houses between Park Stanley and the Center's driveway.

Phone for reservations or more information :

Janine Levesque at 514-334-1048

(if Janine is not there, please leave a message and she will get back to as soon as possible)

you can email her at info@zenmontreal.ca

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